Ottawa Senators Ups and Downs: Week 3
A look at how everybody did on the Western Canadian road swing
The last week saw the Sens sweep through Western Canada, beating the Canucks and Oilers but losing the Oilers.
Biggest gains: Ryan Dzingel
Dzingel scored three points this week, including both goals against a goalie vs. the Canucks. If you weren't sold on him being in the NHL yet, this week should've probably made up your mind for you.
Biggest losses: Chris Driedger
Binghamton's starter had never really got an NHL shot, having played mop-up duty in two games over the last two seasons. When called upon against the Flames, he didn't do well at all, allowing four goals on 11 shots. It's hard for anyone to play well when called in cold to be the goalie. He could still have a fine career ahead of him. I just think that he won't be seeing a start anytime soon.
| Goaltenders | Trend | Notes |
| Craig Anderson |  | Put up two shutouts and was the NHL's first star of the week. It just seemed really callous to award Biggest Gains to someone right after they announce their wife has been diagnosed with cancer. All the best to Nicholle and the rest of their family. |
| Chris Driedger |  | See Biggest Losses |
| Andrew Hammond |  | Let in a weak goal, then went down with injury. The Hamburglar may never be healthy again. |
| Defensemen | ||
| Mark Borowiecki | | Was top-five in 5v5 possession stats for the team every game this week. Don't know what more I can ask for from him. |
| Cody Ceci |  | I really don't know what to make of this guy. He still seems lost in the defensive zone. |
| Thomas Chabot | | Didn't play |
| Erik Karlsson | | Unusually quiet week from the captain, scoring just a lone powerplay goal |
| Marc Methot | | Average, average week for possibly Ottawa's least-noticeable defenceman (which is a compliment, by the way) |
| Dion Phaneuf | | Phaneuf looks slow, which is worrisome with a guy under contract for four seasons after this one |
| Chris Wideman | | Is slowly creeping his way higher up his coach's good books. |
| Forwards | ||
| Derick Brassard | | He's been fine, nothing spectacular |
| Ryan Dzingel | | See Biggest Gains |
| Mike Hoffman | | Two more points, including finally his first goal of the season |
| Chris Kelly | | I think he's the calmest Ottawa Senator |
| Clarke MacArthur | | He's skating and he followed the team for the road trip |
| Chris Neil | | I have no complaints about how Neil's been playing |
| Jean-Gabriel Pageau | | The Sens can't afford for him to get caved like he did against the Oilers |
| Matt Puempel | | Played all three games, looked alright, and even got some powerplay time |
| Tom Pyatt | | This bona fide NHLer was fine, but he really, really shouldn't be on a scoring line with Turris and Hoffman |
| Bobby Ryan | | A sweet assist against the Canucks, and then the empty-net sealer against the Oilers |
| Zack Smith | | He really does seem to fit with whatever line he's on |
| Mark Stone | | I expect a lot from Ottawa's best forward, and he didn't deliver a lot this week |
| Kyle Turris | | I think the offence will be better when he's not playing with Tom Pyatt |
Special thanks to our friend winterion at Japers' Rink for our icons!